Dartford v Hastings United - Saturday 13th September 2008

Pre Match Report

“I’m Roger Sinden here at Princes Park, Dartford where today Hastings United visit  Dartford ”

It was just three weeks ago that Hastings were the visitors here for a Ryman Premier Division fixture ,achieving  their first win of the season against bottom club Dartford. On that occasion Hastings edged through by two goals without reply, but not before Dartford had scorned a hatful of chances against the Sussex club. Since then both sides have experienced miserable league form and both are looking possible contenders for a relegation battle. All that can be put to one side as this FA Cup  fixture provides an opportunity for the teams to meet again, but this time the prize of £3,000 is up for grabs  with the chance for further cup progress.

Hastings enjoyed a welcome second win of the season last Saturday at Harlow, when Marc Whiteman’s close range strike in stoppage time proved the decisive goal. Harlow enjoyed significant periods of possession up until then but found it difficult to convert any of these goal opportunities. New signing Andy Ballard brought composure and experience to the Hastings side and looked a shrewd acquisition but is ruled out today as Eastbourne do not want him cup tied.

At home on Tuesday however, the single goal defeat at Carshalton made it four consecutive losses which is the worst home run for five years. There is nothing like the magic of the FA Cup for lifting spirits however.

Roger Sinden for Saturday Sport at Princes Park Dartford

Match Report

Dartford  ( 3 ) Hastings United (2)

Hastings United bowed out of the FA Cup at the first stage, allowing their hosts to exact revenge for their league defeat just three weeks earlier. It was an entertaining cup tie for the neutral, with the result reflecting the superiority shown by Dartford for most of the game.

Dartford took the play to the visitors and edged ahead on 14 minutes. A cross from the right flank found Brendon Cass unmarked in the six yard box and he headed home. Minutes later Ray Powell fired a long range shot straight at Nessling and Dartford were in the ascendency.

Young Dartford goalkeeper Ibrahim was a bystander for much of the first half but he was unnerved in three dramatic minutes. A free kick on 42 minutes by Sam Adams somehow crept in around the defensive wall for Hastings equaliser. A copycat free kick on 45 minutes rebounded from the wall to defender Ben Radley who netted from close range to put Hastings ahead against the run of play.

The script ideally would see Hastings holding out under constant pressure in the second half but the script was torn up early after the restart. Steve Butterworth netted with a low shot from the edge of the area when the ball was not cleared following a long throw from the right and Dartford were back on terms. On 55 minutes it was all over bar the shouting when the Hastings defence was undone on the right flank and Danny Dafter stooped to head home on the far post.

Although Hastings did net twice in the last ten minutes the efforts were clearly offside and  it would have been a travesty for on the day Dartford were well worth their progress to the next round.

Roger Sinden at Princes Park, Dartford Saturday Sport where it finished
Dartford ( 3 ) Hastings United ( 2 )